Memorial windows by Tom Denny (
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A framed plaque nearby tells us:
"This window is an early piece of work by renowned stained glass artist Thomas Denny, installed in October 1994 as a memorial to the naturalist Sir Peter Scott, who founded the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust here in Slimbricige. Other work by Thomas Denny can be seen in Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Hereford Cathedrals, as well as in other significant English buildings.
The design of the window is based on Psalm 104, which was read by the Duke of Edinburgh at Sir Peter Scott's funeral in St Paul's Cathedral. The Psalm describes nature as an image of God's majesty. Thomas Denny felt that this was particularly appropriate for Sir Peter "whose life and work was a celebration of the beauty, intricacy and significance of nature". Although the design is abstract, it contains many references to Psalm 104 captured through the use of traditional stained glass materials - coloured glass and lead. There are three main sections to the window, from left to right:
(i)
Creation:
The design shows Creation in terms of earth, air and water, with a landscape based on Criffel Hill on the Solway Coast, a place of importance for Sir Peter.
(ii)
A river valley:
A river, loosely based on the River Severn, winds down to the sea. Through the mist swans and whales can be seen.
(iii)
The Night:
An oak woodland scene is shown, with moths and a fox in the flickering moonlight. Lower down, the light of day shines onto bushes and willows.
0 Lord My God, Thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment."
" Peter Scott was the son of Antarctic explorer Captain Scott who, in his dying letter, urged Peter’s mother to “make the boy interested in natural history”.
Peter became an Olympic sailing medallist and a well-known painter and broadcaster. He created the IUCN red list which measures whether species are threatened or endangered. He was the founding chair of WWF – he even drew their famous panda logo.
Peter particularly loved the wild open marshes of Britain and the mysterious geese that visited from unknown shores. He started as a wildfowler and learned to protect first the birds, and then their wetland habitats.
In 1946 he set up the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge as a centre for science and conservation. Uniquely at the time, he opened it to the public so that anyone could enjoy getting close to nature.
Peter and his family presented the BBC’s first live television wildlife programmes from his artist’s studio overlooking the lakes at Slimbridge, from where he brought a love for the British countryside into millions of homes.
WWT grew from strength to strength during Peter’s life and since his death in 1989. We now welcome a million visitors each year to nine Wetland Centres in the UK, and we undertake more research and conservation projects around the world than ever."
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